'Please keep pets indoors' - Animal rescue issues warning to pet owners as storm continues

An Irish animal rescue is urging people to keep pets indoors during bad weather. 

Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption, otherwise known as MADRA, issued the warning today (December 27) as Storm Gerrit continues to hit Ireland. 

In a post published on Facebook, MADRA stated, "Please keep pets indoors. There's terrible weather forecast for the next few days!" 

People adopting dogs from the charity are urged to keep the animal inside year-round except for in special circumstances, but especially during bad weather. 

According to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), animals are easily distressed by heavy rain and winds and should be kept inside for their safety. 

If your pet should escape, contact your local pound, animal rescue centres and local vet. 

According to Met.ie, the poor weather will continue until midnight tomorrow (Thursday December 28), with Carlow Weather Channel also reporting a second storm may hit Ireland this weekend.